Ranked among Texas’ most healthiest counties

A highly educated residency and low poverty level have contributed to Collin County being named one of the healthiest counties in Texas.

The University of Wisconsin's Public Health Institute ranked all 232 Texas counties based on a variety of criteria, with Collin coming in at No. 2, one spot behind Williamson. Collin was followed closely by Denton at No. 3. Dallas County was ranked the 67th healthiest county in the state.

Collin County ranked first among all counties in the Health Behaviors category, which looks at the number of adults who smoke, drink excessively, are obese, or are physically inactive. The county also was first when looking at social and economic factors such as percentage of population with some college experience, as well as the violent crime rate and level of unemployment.

While these factors may not appear to have much to do with health, Jennifer Smith, chief public health officer for Texas Association of Local Health Officials, said they play an important role in the overall health of an area. Another factor that contributes to the overall health of the county is access to primary care physicians, an area where Collin County bested the state average. (7/15/13)

For a look at how Collin County stacked up in the rankings, click here.